There
is no second opinion that writers play a pivotal role in the success of a film.
If readers may remember recently PREM RATAN DHAN PAYO star Salman Khan had
credited the success of his film BAJRANI BHAIJAAN to its writer, the veteran
screenwriter Vijayendra Prasad. However it is a tragedy despite writers being
the backbone of a film, the Indian film industry has always given them step
motherly treatment and paid measly.
However
the Film Writers Association (FWA) and the Federation of Western India Cine
Employees (FWICE) have decided to adopt the ‘pressure tactics’ inspired by the Writers
Guild of America that brought about a major revolution in the remuneration and
improvement in the position of writers in Hollywood.
Under
the president ship of prominent writer Kamlesh Pandey, who has written several
hits like DIL, CHAALBAAZ, TEZAAB, RANG DE BASANTI etc. the federation has
decided to go on an indefinite strike from October 3.
Informing
about the strike Kamlesh Pandey said, “The Producers' representatives had
agreed that the MoU would be signed by January 2015. But, that has not
happened. After 14 months of suffering delaying tactics, FWICE was left with no
choice but to declare a general strike.”
Anjum
Rajabali, who has to his credits many hits films like DROHKAAL, GHULAM, THE
LEGEND OF BHAGAT SINGH, RAAJNEETI etc informed that the writers are fighting
for a Minimum Basic Contract (MBC), similar to the Minimum Basic Agreement
enforced by the Hollywood’s Writers Guild of America.”
Enlightening
about the struggle of Writers Guild of America, Anjum Rajabali said, “The Writers
Guild of America began their struggle for their rights in the 40’s and after three
major strikes they succeed in enforcing the Minimum Basic Agreement thorough
collective support of their members. Similarly in India we are fighting and
collective support of the members is most vital.”
Interestingly
the federation has full support. Kamlesh Pandey said, “We have complete support
all the 23 unions. Hence the strike will witness, actors, directors, music
directors, every single worker of the Film & TV industry, including FWA,
going on strike. All India Cine Employees Confederation is also supporting
us!"
Supporting
the cause are celebrated writers like Javed Akhtar, Vishal Bhardwaj, Jaideep
Sahni, Sriram Raghavan, Rajat Aroraa, Shridhar Raghavan, Abbas Tyrewala, Amole
Gupte, Saket Chaudhary and others.
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